Wycheproof

Wycheproof /ˈwɪtʃɪpruːf/ is a small regional locality in the centre of the Shire of Buloke, in north western Victoria, Australia. As of the 2016 census, it had a population of 635.[1] The name, Wycheproof, originates from an aboriginal word meaning 'grass on a hill', referring to Mount Wycheproof just off the Calder Highway, which is the smallest registered mountain in the world, standing at 148 metres (486 ft)[2] above sea level or 43 metres (141 ft) above the surrounding plains.[3] The economy of Wycheproof is driven mainly by wheat.

Wycheproof
Victoria
View from the Mount Wycheproof Lookout
Wycheproof
Coordinates36°05′0″S 143°13′0″E
Population635 (2016 census)[1]
Postcode(s)3527
Location
LGA(s)Shire of Buloke
State electorate(s)Mildura
Federal Division(s)Mallee
Localities around Wycheproof:
Narraport Dumosa Towaninny South
Thalia Wycheproof Bunguluke
Wycheproof South Teddywaddy West, Teddywaddy Glenloth

The railway from Bendigo and Korong Vale reached the area in 1883 and was later extended north.[4] The township was established beside the railway and the Post Office opened on 1 April 1884 replacing earlier offices from 1876 serving the rural area named Wycheproof (renamed to Moffat) and Mount Wycheproof.[5] The last regular passenger service though the local railway station was from Bendigo to Sea Lake on 7 May 1977 and was operated by a Diesel Electric railmotor.[6] The town is unusual in that even today the railway line runs in the centre of the main street.

The Wycheproof Magistrates' Court, based in the historic Wycheproof Court House, closed on 1 January 1983.[7]

In an attempt to attract new residents, the local community has developed a project to offer otherwise vacant farmhouses for rent at A$1 per week. Expressions of interest in the scheme have been heard from Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Ireland as well as most parts of Australia.[8] The project was inspired by a similar program at Cumnock, New South Wales.

Wycheproof has a proud sporting history. With its neighbouring township Narraport, Wycheproof has an Australian rules football team (Wycheproof-Narraport) competing in the North Central Football League. Many AFL stars are from Wycheproof including Corey Jones, Mervyn Keane, Greg Kennedy and Chris Pym.

Wycheproof has a horse racing club, the Mt Wycheproof & District Racing Club, whose one meeting a year is the Mount Wycheproof Cup meeting held on Victoria Derby day in late October or early November.[9]

Golfers play at the course of the Wycheproof Golf Club on the Calder Highway.[10]

Notable people

See also

Wycheproof railway station

Mount Wycheproof

  • Train headed down the main street of Broadway
  • Remains of the railway station, prior to its restoration

References
  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Wycheproof (State Suburb)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
  2. St Arnaud (Map) (1st ed.). 1:250,000. Series 1501. The Royal Australian Survey Corps. 1987. § YF0105.
  3. "Wycheproof – Victoria – Australia – Travel – smh.com.au". The Sydney Morning Herald. 8 February 2004. Retrieved 24 March 2008.
  4. Sid Brown (March 1990). "Tracks Across the State". Newsrail. Australian Railway Historical Society (Victorian Division). pp. 71–76.
  5. Phoenixd Auctions History. "Post Office List". Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  6. Chris Banger (March 1997). "Rail Passenger Service Withdrawals Since 1960". Newsrail. Australian Railway Historical Society (Victorian Division). pp. 77–82.
  7. "Special Report No. 4 - Court Closures in Victoria" (PDF). Auditor-General of Victoria. 1986. p. 79. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  8. Cooper, Mex (15 July 2009). "Wycheproof is hot property". The Age. Melbourne, Australia: Fairfax. Retrieved 15 July 2009.
  9. Country Racing Victoria. "Mt Wycheproof & District Racing Club". Archived from the original on 28 July 2008. Retrieved 7 May 2009.
  10. Golf Select. "Wycheproof". Retrieved 11 May 2009.
  11. Paul Barry (25 July 2011). "Political Fixers: Peta Credlin". The Power Index. Eric Beecher. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
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